From Gravel Pit to Parkland: The Transformation of Wasaga Sands
From its origins as a busy aggregate operation that supported vital infrastructure projects to its reinvention as a golf course and residential hub, the Wasaga Sands site showcases the power of creative land reclamation and its impact on the community.
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Wasaga Beach, Ontario, the Wasaga Sands Golf Community has a truly rich history. Formerly an essential aggregate operation supporting local infrastructure, the site has since been transformed to many uses over the years, including a golf course community. A true hidden gem of aggregate site restoration.
A Foundation of Sand and Gravel
The story of Wasaga Sands begins in the mid-1960s, when Ed Seeley and Bill Arnill acquired the property. Seeley and Arnill recognized that the geology of the site was favourable—sand dunes overlain high-quality gravel and coarser sand meant the material from site could be used to meet concrete and asphalt specs, which was in high demand.
Over the next two decades, the site became a busy aggregate operation, producing up to 100,000 tonnes of material annually. And, at its peak, the site housed not only a gravel pit but also a ready-mix concrete plant, with occasional use of an asphalt plant. According to Paul Arnill, current owner of Seeley and Arnill Construction, “the site was an important part of the community and supported by the neighbours. Trucks transporting ready-mix and asphalt for critical community projects moved material from the site without issue.”
“When drafting the site rehabilitation plan, we drew inspiration from golf course communities in Florida. We embarked on an ambitious project to rehabilitate the site into an 18-hole golf course surrounded by residential lots and the transformation showcased truly innovative reclamation techniques.”
– Paul Arnill, owner, Seeley and Arnill Construction
These facilities allowed for efficient distribution of materials, bolstering the construction of roads, homes, and commercial buildings in the region. “The Wasaga Sands property provided material for vital community projects in Wasaga Beach and nearby Collingwood, including the Schooner Town Bridge and the Libbey Owens Ford (LOF) plant,” says Arnill. This infrastructure, which is integral to Wasaga Beach, serves as a reminder of the important contribution of local building materials.
Pioneering Rehabilitation: From Pit to Parkland
By the early 1980s, the resources were largely depleted, prompting Seeley and Arnill to consider the "highest and best use" of the land. “When drafting the site rehabilitation plan, we drew inspiration from golf course communities in Florida,” says Arnill. “We embarked on an ambitious project to rehabilitate the site into an 18-hole golf course surrounded by residential lots and the transformation showcased truly innovative reclamation techniques.”
Lowland areas became water traps for the golf course, while sand traps and green spaces were seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The reclaimed lots were equipped with individual wells and septic systems and were sold for $20,000 to $30,000 each—a remarkable bargain in hindsight.
The site also included dedicated parkland, such as a soccer field which is now used as a winter tobogganing destination. The Wasaga Sands Golf Course flourished for years but eventually faced operational challenges. Despite the closure, the site retained its charm, with well-maintained grass and the remnants of a community-oriented design.
Bronze Plaque Recognition
On May 30, 1998, the site’s restoration efforts were recognized by OSSGA—formerly Aggregate Producers Association of Ontario—with a Bronze Plaque, the association’s most prestigious award. Seeley and Arnill Construction was commemorated for the transformation of these lands into the outstanding Wasaga Sands Golf Community through the creative rehabilitation of a sand and gravel operation.
The William Arnill Memorial Park, which borders the rehabilitated site was celebrated last fall during the Wasaga Sands Fall Festival, recognizing Bill Arnill’s contribution to the community.
Lessons from Wasaga Sands
The history of Wasaga Sands highlights the potential for aggregate sites to contribute to both economic development and community enrichment. From supporting infrastructure projects to becoming a cherished local landmark, the site’s journey is a testament to the adaptability of land use and the ingenuity of its stewards.
As Wasaga Sands faces its next chapter, it serves as a case study for navigating the balance between industry, community, and regulation. Whether through preserving its legacy or shaping its future, the lessons of Wasaga Sands continue to be an incredible example of land reclamation.